Artist's Handbook | The Bright Agency

Artist’s Handbook

Why join us...

We are Bright

Home to inspiring creatives

Where artists & authors belong.

We’re here to provide the very best management and deliver outstanding results to all creatives wishing to make their mark on the world.

There’s nothing more rewarding than discovering where your talent will take you.

At Bright, we’ll clear the path of industry distraction, so you can immerse yourself in the adventure of creation.

Our story

It started with a little original thinking. Back in 2003, Bright’s founder Vicki Wilden-Lebrecht sensed things could be done differently. It was a time of great change and since then Bright has been at the forefront of artist management.

As a trained and practicing designer, Vicki recognised that the creative needs of artists weren’t being met by traditional agents. She believes that the artist should be central to how an agency operates and organises itself; from this conviction and Vicki’s unshakeable ambition the Bright Agency was formed.

Bright’s founding focus was on navigating new talent through the beginning stages of their careers, and we continue this mission today. We empower you to explore and develop the realms of your creative capabilities,

and drive your discoverability once published. We’ve launched a great number of artists’ careers, and Bright has become the go-to boutique agency for aspiring artists as well as home to some of the top best-selling, awardwinning illustrators in the world.

Our growth hasn’t diluted our artistcentred approach it’s only enhanced it. As we’ve expanded, we’ve always kept our core conviction that what’s right for you, those we represent, is what should guide how Bright evolves and operates.

We’ve always invested in technology, people and infrastructure to ensure our agents are focused on you. Our experienced accountants, rights professionals and in-house marketing team support our agents to enhance your careers and act as guardians of your profession. This means our agents have exceptional freedom to

nurture your creativity and curate a bespoke career path to match your dreams and ambitions.

We have experts in every imaginable area, so we can help you diversify and secure the very best possible opportunities from your work.

From rights retention, art direction and portfolio curation through to 3D animation, film development and foreign sales; you have an entire catalogue of creative knowhow, right at your fingertips.

The Bright Agency fields a truly formidable line-up on your behalf, and we are dedicated to being a positive force in your life and career.

What sets us apart…

We outperform the role of a traditional agency

We actively drive our artists’ discoverability

Our dedicated agents work alongside you, giving you feedback and art direction, across industries

We ensure contracts are transparent, robust and retain your rights

We have expert, in-house legal, marketing and finance departments

What we care about...

Keeping you at the forefront of your work

Tailoring creative strategy

Listening to your ambitions

Retaining and exercising contractual rights

Ensuring finances are managed smoothly

Your rightful recognition and reward

Our creative’s wellbeing

What we don’t do…

Work with clients that exploit artists

Onboard artists that we don’t have a clear vision for Make promises we can’t deliver

Advise you to work on projects we don’t think will be good for your career

Call my agent…

We’ve got your back

As a fluid agency, you may find that other agents pitch you for their projects too. We love to share and showcase, so you’ll benefit from our expansive reach, across multiple industries and territories.

It’s crucial to develop an authentic and trusting relationship with your key agent. Let them know your goals, so they can shape an authentic creative direction for you . You may be an illustrator with a secret flair for animation, or perhaps you’ve created a picture book that has huge licensing prospects. If there are areas of your talent that you’d like to explore, then start the conversation!

We work collaboratively across the agency to establish, and in some cases develop, your potential. Don’t expect to hit the sweet spot in all our departments and be prepared for honest feedback. The sustainability and success of your career will always be the motivation behind our agent’s thinking. We’ll never over promise.

Our Playgrounds

Literary

Our literary department represents an exceptional collection of carefully selected storytellers. Alongside today’s most loved, award-winning and bestselling children’s authors, our list is home to some of the most exciting new voices in middle grade & young adult fiction.

Using the well-established Bright method to launch and maintain sustainable literary careers, our agents dedicate their time to championing their individuals lists. With in-house accounting, marketing and legal teams working the detail, the literary team are able to focus solely on their authors, driving their discoverability, devising and implementing tailored creative strategy and negotiating the very best deals.

Working closely with our Film and Tv department, they’ll always seek out new opportunity for their authors and guarantee the retention of creative rights to safeguard their future prospects.

Arabella Stein Katie Blagden

Amy Capelin

TV & Film

We’re proud of our well establish relationships across the industry. From major streamers, to Hollywood studios, our artists have witnessed the incredible process of seeing their work come to life, across multiple platforms at Bright. Supporting them every step of the way, our Film & TV agents use their years’ of expertise to ensure that the artist is centred throughout from negotiation, through to postproduction.

Richard Scrivner

Publishing Agents

Great relationships are key to our story.

These agents pride themselves on their commitment to shaping the most successful partnerships to sustain longterm success, internationally and across multiple platforms for their artists. Experienced and highly motivated our agents provide a full spectrum of support whilst establishing a long term strategy for their artists’ work within all areas of publishing and internally within the areas Bright operates. With a wealth of industry experience and expertise, they are instrumental in fostering prize-winning publishing partnerships and in raising the profile of the creative talent they represent. They support their artists to deliver exceptional artwork whilst they are in the knowledge their business affairs are robustly managed and overseen. For our clients, they are a reliable, attentive and proactive point of contact, ensuring a consummately professional experience for all, from start to finish.

LGBTQIA+

James Burns

James embodies the best of Bright’s values; he is dedicated to protecting, nurturing, and securing creative careers for the artists, authors, and animators. As well as maintaining a select publishing list and heading up Bright US, James also oversees Bright’s Design & Advertising division. He is an advocate for traditionally marginalised voices and members of the LGBTQIA community.

WHIMSICAL

Anne Moore

Armstrong

With 20 years’ experience in publishing, Anne specializes in the very best trade books. As an art director and designer, Anne speaks the language of artists. Her robust negotiating skills are complimented by her authentic and emotive approach to art. Anne’s current roster includes bestselling creatives that she has personally developed. She is always looking out for the next extraordinary talent.

COMMERCIAL | NEW

Alex Gehringer

Alex joined Bright in 2014, bringing with her an astute instinct for finding and nurturing successful artists. Her experience spans board books through to middle grade, encompassing picture books and graphic novels. Alex is seeking storytellers with equal doses of humour and heart. She pushes those she represents towards the commercial and artistic success while always providing a compassionate approach.

NON-FICTION

Robyn Newton

Robyn joined Bright in 2017, bringing her love of non-fiction and middle grade fiction to the agency. Her work spans all areas of publishing, but she is particularly drawn to sophisticated, realistic and communicative art. Her characteristic

efficiency and professional approach are tempered by her ability to thoughtfully deliver creative direction, developing her artists’ craft in line with their career aspirations.

NEW

Susan Penny

Susan works across children’s publishing, with a particular love of new picture book talent. She is driven to develop aspiring artists and build successful careers. Before joining Bright, Susan pursued various rigorous international law placements; she is a fierce negotiator with a keen eye for contractual details. She is inspired by sharing reading experiences with her son Bjorn.

ESTABLISHED

Freddie has been with Bright since 2017, building her list focussed on narrative art and picture book illustrations. She ensures the highest quality work from her artists while supporting their needs. Freddie is adept at negotiating rights deals, giving art direction, managing artist schedules and handling client interactions. Freddie’s quiet proficiency inspires confidence in her clients and artists alike.

Freddie Dawson

CHILDREN’S

Lucie Luddington

As the Head of Bright’s Children’s Illustration division, Lucie is an authority on religious, education and children’s international markets. She is highly proficient at managing and delivering high-octane projects, and her deep knowledge of Bright’s talent means that she always finds the best artist for a brief. Lucie works with a global roster of artists and clients around the clock, and her unwavering enthusiasm and energy drives successes and opportunities for those she represents.

Lucie also specialises in discovering and nurturing new and developing artists within the agency. She is an expert at providing the extra care and attention needed to cultivate an artist’s portfolio, working closely with budding creatives to establish their unique artistic style and authentic visual voice. Many of Bright’s most successful authors and artists had their start under Lucie, and she is highly respected by all who work with her.

EDUCATION & RELIGION

Robbin Brosterman

For over 20 years Robbin has been at the heart of publishing. Since joining Bright, Robbin has grown the Children’s Education and Religion divisions. Her forthright and direct approach ensures only the best quality creative work passes through her capable hands. Robbin prides herself in supporting her artists, and she loves to foster engaging work for clients across the country.

AUSTRALASIA

Nicky Lander

Instrumental in growing the Children’s and Fiction divisions, Nicky now oversees Licensing and Illustrated Publishing. Efficient, hard-working, and personable, her scope includes children’s books, toys, games, homewares, apparel, accessories and more. Nicky excels in facilitating new and long-lasting collaborations. Her incredible insight and keen creative mind, combined with her determined and analytical approach, make her a one-of-akind agent.

Design & Advertising

Matching creatives with a huge spectrum of clients, our design and advertising agents are at the forefront of the industry with their verve and experience. Working across exciting start-ups and established global brands, they live and breathe advertising, branding and packaging, and will keep you ahead of latest in visual trends.

Our animation division offers you the chance to put your motion skills to great use across a range of 2D, 3D, stop-frame and computer-generated animation projects. These agents work alongside our clients to produce some of the most influential video storytelling around. With Bright artist’s work at our core, we harness the endless potential of the endless demand for animated material.

With Bright artist’s work at our core, we harness the endless potential of the endless demand for animated material.

Our clients...

James Burns Ilaria Vigilante

Animation

Whether you’re looking to create a full-scale film, a short punchy gif, or just some fun characters, we’ll get your brief moving whether it’s in advertising, branding or whatever you have in mind.

Our team helps brands, agencies and production companies source animators working across 2D, 3D, model-making, stop-frame and CGI.

From commercials to short films, music videos to motion graphics tutorials, our Animation Agents help clients discover the latest artistic talent in this exciting field.

James Burns

Ilaria Vigilante

New agent to be announced soon

With Bright artist’s work at our core, we harness the endless potential of the endless demand for animated material.

Licensing

Our brand and licensing division are the finest storytellers around, taking brands and their creators on a journey across multiple platforms, to reach the widest audiences. They typify the notion of ‘full-service’, with no venture left unexplored. Developing robust creative and commercial strategies, this division has big ambition and is committed to crafting the most meaningful and sustainable partnerships.

From well-known names to emerging talent, this team of agents don’t just license your work, but concoct endless commercial opportunities and collaborations across products, industries and global markets. They are exceptionally savvy in the rights they retain and license ensuring our artists work can reach its full potential. Working with these agents means you’ll see your creativity enhance and inspire toys and games, digital gaming, apparel, homewares, beauty and stationery and greeting cards.

Amy Fitzgerald

Jo Astles

You’re in great company…

Vicki’s enthusiasm for children’s publishing is boundless, she is a true force; her positivity and vision inspiring.

BENJI DAVIES

The whole process is all a total collaboration. Even though it is my name on the front of the book, there are a number of incredibly talented and clever people involved in bringing these books to life.

DAVID LITCHFIELD

What struck me about Bright was the vast scope of their vision; they are an agency that truly does everything.

NICOLA O’BYRNE

Bright has brought me incredible opportunities. I was introduced to publishers from the beginning and after introductions by Bright, I was able to create relationships with my editors and designers on a one-toone basis.”

YASMEEN ISMAIL

We’d love to see your work, here’s how…

All you need to do is head to thebrightagency.com/uk/submissions/new and follow the simple instructions to upload your work.

Got a question?

Here’s a few of the ones we get asked all the time…

Why work with a Bright Agent?

Unlike at most agencies, our agents build distinctive relationship based on understanding, depth, attention and support. They’ll get to know you and your work intimately and will champion you from day one.

Our agents are industry specialists and their exceptional client relations place them in the best position, to negotiate, supervise and advocate you and your projects. With dedicated teams chasing payments and proofing contracts, Bright agents are in the privileged position to focus solely on you and your creative pathways– it’s what set us apart.

Can I keep my existing clients once I join?

You can. We call them “house accounts”. They will be listed on your contract for clarity, and we do recommend that we represent you on these where we can for ease. It’s good to consider what a house account means for you – is it a long-term client or one-off project. We may be able to help you make the most out of these accounts and develop the relationship further.

Can I still sell my own prints & merchandise?

Absolutely, yes.

Do I have to accept a project?

Not at all. We only want you to work on what makes you happy.

Does Bright charge for Marketing?

We don’t. Our in-house team are here to help get you get noticed, and you’ll likely already be on a social media platform we use, like Instagram. We can give you tips and guidance on how to make most out of your accounts.

You do, unless it’s a “house account” that’s listed on your contract. If it’s something you are doing for a friend, for example, that doesn’t count.

Do I have to send all project inquiries that come directly to me to Bright?

Does Bright attend trade shows for me?

Does Bright visit clients on my behalf?

Every artist is different and needs different support. Some like to have daily contact, some are super independent and want their space. Our agents will sense how you like to work, right from the get-go, even from the way you write your emails.

We do. Of course.

How much are Bright involved once a job commences?

All you need to do is ask. You can discuss which pieces to showcase on your Bright portfolio page with your agent – they will help you decide which of your images are the strongest, and our even the order to place them in to help your portfolio really stand out and shine. Our artist co-ordinator is also on hand.

I want someone I can run things by, before sending in final copy…

If you have any work you’d like a little feedback on before sending to a client, or have a real dilemma over something in particular, your agent will always help you with experienced advice so that you feel absolutely confident when you submit your work.

I have so much artwork I don’t know what to send and how to position myself to showcase my best work?

I need someone in my corner…

Our agents are your advocate from day one. They will see potential in you and your work, and will have a strategy in place to deliver, whilst our other departments take care of everything like contracts and marketing, so you don’t have to.

They will promote your work and create the campaigns on your behalf.

By working alongside our other agents in our other divisions they will showcase your work to them too and pitch your work internally.

How quickly will I be paid once a job is completed?

As soon as the client pays us, we pay you. This is usually within 30 days of you finishing a job, plus a small window of handling time.

We do everything we can to speed payment up.

In fact, the timely payment of our artists is so important to us, it’s something our management team scrutinises every month. It’s one of our top targets.

What is covered in Bright’s commission fee?

From checking every word of your contracts, to bespoke global marketing and daily project support, from chasing for timely payments to portfolio development, and expert guidance on copyright protection and royalties, Bright provide wraparound care, whenever you need us, whatever the reason.

Our clients include...

Associations

& Bodies we are part of…

Sayhello…

We’d love to hear from you mail@thebrightagency.com